Volume 2 Issue 4 Fall 2008 NKKSFOOTNOTES a publication of Nam’s Korean School/ Center Happy Birthday Jang Nim by Master B.Calderone September 24th, Kwan Jang He was responsible for organizing a karate program for the Korean Air Force wherein Nim celebrated his birthday. the Air Force Troops benefited from his The students helped him celebrate by exclusive training and instruction. In 1972, presenting him with a birthday cake and Grandmaster Nam completed his duties present on testing day. Many of you may in the Korean Air Force and assumed sole not know who exactly Kwan Jang Nim is, responsibility as Karate Instructor for the so let me take this time to introduce to you, Korean K-55 Division of the Air Force Police. Grandmaster Taek Ho Nam. In 1973, he served as Karate Instructor

Kwan Jang Nim tested under Grandmaster for the U. S. 314 Air Force at Osan Air Base Kee the founder of . and completed this program in 1977. At the age of five, he began Tang Soo Do Grandmaster Hwang Kee officiated over training six days a week. At the age of Grandmaster Nam’s wedding in 1977. He nine, he received his black belt. He began and his wife then came to the U.S. He taught teaching as an assistant instructor, at the Tang Soo Do in New Jersey until 1979. He age of thirteen. After graduating from The then moved to Pittsburgh and established University of Seoul, in 1969, Grandmaster two schools located in Mt. Lebanon Nam served his country in the Korean Air (originally in Dormont) and Robinson Force. He captured the Korean Karate Township. In 1996, he opened a third school Air Force Championship title in 1969 and in Cecil Township. maintained this title until he finished his Air continued on page 3 Force duties in 1972. INSIDE THIS ISSUE... Message from Grandmaster - 2 | Upcoming Events - 3 Academic Achievers, Black Belts & Birthdays - 4 | A Thought for That - 5 N.M.A.C. FIT CLUB - 5 | Tang Soo Do – Korean Karate - 6 July PTF Testing and Summer Picnic - 8 NKKS FOOTNOTES A Message from GRANDMASTER TAEK HO NAM The traditional tea ceremony is a special day in the history of our school, memorializing its promotion of candidates to various black belt levels. It is just one more expression of our NKKS Footnotes dedication and sincerity in prospering A Publication of Nam’s Korean Karate School / Martial Arts the art of Tang Soo Do. Grandmaster Center The ceremony is witnessed by Taek Ho Nam a huge audience of parents and 256 Washington Rd., friends. An authentic oriental atmosphere is set with special oriental Mt. Lebanon, Pa 15216 (412) 344-5557 appointments of furniture, carpets, flags, etc. The ceremony is conducted by candlelight and traditional ceremonial music is 5444 Steubenville Pike played in the background. During the ceremonial process, the Robinson, Pa 15136 candidate’s name is called, beginning with First Dan participants (412) 787-9895 Fax (412) 787-9895 and working up to Second, Third and Fourth Dan candidates. The candidate begins a slow walk to the ceremonial table, being 3131 Millers Run Rd. escorted by the two young females dressed in traditional ham boks Cecil, Pa 15321 (Korean dresses). Each candidate’s biography is given as he/she (412) 901-6890 approaches the ceremonial table. At the ceremonial table, the www.namskoreankarate.com candidate is served Korean ginseng tea which is symbolic of loyalty E-mail: namskoreankarate@ and the student’s binding relationship with his/her karate Master gmail.com and karate school. As the tea flows through the candidate’s whole Founder and Publisher body, it represents the everlasting bond between the student and Grandmaster Taek Ho Nam the elements that the tea symbolizes. Following that, the candidate walks backwards, with the two escorts, for the length of the carpet. Executive Editor Walking backwards symbolizes the respect for the karate masters Master Hans H. Nam and the balance that one must perceive in one’s mission in life. The Production Editor candidate, then proceeds to the masters’ table, wherein the degree Master Brenda Calderone is confirmed. First, the candidate is asked to stamp his/her fist in red ink. The fist represents his/her physical loyalty and dedication to the Production Editor Master Tony Tresky protection of the ones he/she loves, Tang Soo Do, and his/her master. The red ink represents the blood. Which is the unseen bond and Copy Editor relationship between the recipient and his/her ongoing dedication Lisa Over and loyalty to Tang Soo Do and grandmaster. The candidate then Design / Printing signs the register, receives his/her certificate and belt, and shakes Heather Arbuckle hands with each karate master. This special ceremony is held twice a year to honor candidates © 2008 T.H. Nam’s Korean Karate School / Martial Arts Center. as they gain the proficiency of black belt in its various degrees. All rights reserved. We should all feel privileged to be a part of the school’s Black Belt promotional exercise and find it to be a very beautiful, extraordinary, and most memorable occasion.

2 Volume 2 Issue 4 Fall 2008 UPCOMING EVENTS *ASK YOUR CAMPUS MANAGER FOR TIMES | *DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE RC= Robinson Campus CC= Cecil Campus MC= Mt. Lebanon Campus OCTOBER 8 Breaking Clinic @ MC with Kwan Jang Nim 9 Breaking Clinic @ MC with SahBumNim Nam All Belts Breaking Clinic @ RC 10 All Belts Breaking Clinic @ CC 20-24 BUDDY WEEK 25 MOVIE NIGHT @ CC (ALL CAMPUSES WELCOME) NOVEMBER BLUE BELT to BLACK BELT CLINIC THIS MONTH 5 Breaking Clinic @ MC with Kwan Jang Nim 6 Breaking Clinic @ MC with SahBumNim Nam All Belts Breaking Clinic @ RC 7 All Belts Breaking Clinic @ CC Pan-Am Tang Soo Do Federation Promotional Pre-Testing: 12 CC 13 RC 14 MC NO CLASS @ CECIL CAMPUS Pan-Am Tang Soo Do Federation Promotional Testing & Black Belt Tea Ceremony and Students’ Appreciation 15 RC 9 am – Children 10 am – Black Belt Tea Ceremony & Students’ Appreciation 10 am – Adults Pan-Am Tang Soo Do Federation Promotional “Make Up” Testing Please speak to your instructor to arrange your “Make Up” Testing 27-28 NO CLASS ALL CAMPUSES (HAPPY THANKSGIVING!)

DECEMBER NO BREAKING CLINIC THIS MONTH 6 N.M.A.C. HOLIDAY PARTY Location: RC Time: TBA 24-Jan 1 NO CLASS ALL CAMPUSES (HAPPY HOLIDAYS!)

ADVERTISE NOW!! Our website has attracted many new visitors each day. Our newsletter and informative brochure will be e-mailed to perspective students. All ads will be designed by our webmaster Heather Arbuckle. There are four months per issue.

CONTACT MASTER H. NAM at [email protected] for more information

3 NKKS FOOTNOTES A+CADEMIC A+CHIEVER Please do NOT forget to bring your report cards in to become a member of our A+TEAM!

NEW BLACK BELT RECIPENTS Cort Blatz (1st Dan) Master David Klink (4th Dan) GyoSa Alicia Stoyanoff (2nd Dan)

BIRTHDAYS HAVE A KARATE CELEBRATION PARTY, “THE BEST PARTY IN THE BURGH!” STUDENTS & NON-STUDENTS OF ALL AGES ARE WELCOME TO CELEBRATE!

OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER Master T.Tresky (3rd) MacKenzie L (2nd) Ronald W (7th) Tara A (6th) T.J. D (3rd) Michael M (14th) Donald N (8th) Jake G (13th) Harvey S (17th) Nicholas D (9th) Bernie P (21st) Tim S (18th) Ronnie G (13th) Michael S (23rd) Rustam R (24th) Alex S (13th) Joshua L (23rd) Mateus P (27th) Heather Z (15th) Jack M (19th) Jacob D (21st) Anna R (22nd) Ashley A (23rd) Aydin B (24th) Will P (25th) Ron S (26th) GyoSa K.Petrov (31st) Happy Birthday Kwan Jang Nim (continued) Grandmaster Nam has an 8th degree black belt in Tang Soo Do, Tae Kwon Do, Hap Ki Do, and Kum Do. dedicated his life to the Grandmaster Nam has a very sincere Martial Arts. interest in his students and wants them to He is not only the Founder and President develop and mature in the philosophy and of Nam’s Korean Karate School but art of Tang Soo Do. He receives a great also the Chairman of Pan-Am Tang Soo sense of satisfaction in seeing the progress of Do Federation, the Pan-Am Hap Ki Do his students’ enthusiasm. Federation and the Pan-Am Kum Do His goal is to continue to improve his Federation. He is the Treasurer and President schools and his program of study and to of the Pennsylvania Region of the U.S. Moo promote a greater understanding of Tang Duk Kwon Federation, a Former Testing Soo Do. He hopes to have the best Martial Committee Chairman of the World Tang Arts schools in the world and wants to be Soo Do Association and correspondent for known as a Master Instructor. Grandmaster the Tae Kwon Do Times. He is a Certified Nam would eventually like to be known as a International Instructor for the International philosopher of Tang Soo Do. Moo Duk Kwon Association and the U.S. Martial Arts Black Belt Association. He holds 4 Volume 2 Issue 4 Fall 2008 A Thought for That “A Martial Artist’s Family Life (Part 2): The Teenage (and Adult) Years!” by Master H.Nam

As we grasshopper” run true? Isn’t it the Master continue who instructs the students to be patient, past our and ready for it to all come together once childhood and balance is met? adolescence, our Martial We often forget that without Artist’s Life leads our Instructor’s patience and up to becoming Teenagers guidance, our skill and self (Black Belt) and would not be what it is today then an Adult Master H. Nam (Master Level). without their guidance. With “peer pressure,” “rebelling,” The Master, as with parents, is responsible for and the desire for more teaching the best of their abilities information, Teenagers as with excellence for their student as with Black Belts are tested the the only objective. But it is greed, same. Wasn’t this our desire selfishness, and corruption that will as Teenagers? For some it was begin to see light. to rebel against authority and, There are MANY students who although now as adults we see decide that Black Belt is the final that it was true, our parents WERE stage they see is necessary, the RIGHT! As a Black Belt, who rest they can learn as they grow. knows your skill level better than They believe they cannot learn your instructor? We will become any more from their instructor, as impatient as with many others that have do teenagers believe they “know more than been down this road before you have. But their parents.” These Black Belts may isn’t the philosophy “have patience my continued on page 9

N.M.A.C. FIT CLUB by Becca G (FIT CLUB Instructor) Over the past year, the Mt. Lebanon a great opportunity to incorporate regular Campus has offered an evening and exercise into your daily routine. The cardio Saturday morning cardio sculpt class five sculpt class is a cardiovascular workout that days a week. Exercise on a regular basis includes aerobics, step aerobics, and interval is a great way to protect your health from training to burn fat and increase endurance. many diseases, including obesity, heart Each class also includes strengthening disease, and diabetes. Additionally, exercise exercises for toning. is important for your mental health and is Classes are Monday through Thursday a great stress reliever. For the best overall evenings from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday health benefits, experts recommend that morning from 9:00 a.m. to 10 a.m. Please you do 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic activity contact us for more information about costs three or more times a week and muscle and class availability. Also, print out the strengthening and stretching at least twice a coupon on page 9 for 1 week of FREE FIT week. CLUB classes, come in to work out and meet The N.M.A.C. Fit Club cardio sculpt class is new friends. 5 NKKS FOOTNOTES Tang Soo Do – Korean Karate (4th Dan –Master Level Essay) by Master D. Klink For over tide in the Silla Dynasty’s favor. eleven years, Warriors were not common my life has soldiers, but rather young aristocratic revolved men. Together, they studied the art of war, around the blending techniques and styles from both Martial Art, Tang and Japan. Kicks, locks, throws, Soo Do. I have chokes, wrestling and weapons training were dedicated all integrated into their fighting style. Rigid blood and workouts, both mental and physical, in the sweat to the mountains prepared the Hwarang for the Martial Arts riggers of combat. They incorporated a Master D. Klink and have been code of conduct with five major principles. rewarded with 1) Loyalty to Country, 2) Obedience to self-confidence and a healthy lifestyle. While Parents, 3) Honor in Friendships, 4) No Retreat Tang Soo Do is a Korean art of self defense, it in Battle, and 5) In Fighting, Choose with brings much more to the table. The discipline Sense and Honor. Do these principles sound and respect that I have grown up with in familiar? Karate carries over into everyday life. I Unfortunately, all good things never last. would be a completely different person if I With the overthrow of Silla in 935, the Koryo had not ever trained in Tang Soo Do. With Dynasty took charge in . Buddhism was hundreds of years of history, I feel pride in the dominant religion, and was the carrying on the tradition. The roots of Tang monks’ art of choice. Hapkido is a Korean Soo Do can be traced all the way back to art developed by the Hwarang the Silla Dynasty of Korea in the year 313 A.D. that was now becoming a mainstream art. This period of Korean history was a tremulous Many Kings would bring in Hapkido experts time in which three powers on the Korean to perform demonstrations, and soon the art peninsula vied for power. Koguryo of the picked up interest among royal families. The North and Paekche of the West constantly Koryo were toppled by the Yi Dynasty in 1392, threatened the tiny region of Silla. After spelling trouble for the future of Hapkido. years of invasion and harassment, King Chin The spread of Confucianism came with Heung, the 24th and greatest King of the the Yi, resulting in the collapse of Buddhism. Silla Dynasty, dedicated to take action. The Confucian teaching looks down upon Hwarang Warriors were created, turning the physical force. Korean leadership in most

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Discount Available for all N.M.A.C. Students 6 Volume 2 Issue 4 Fall 2008 regions banned Martial Arts. Japan’s for days and years on end and never reach invasion in 1910 brought even harsher perfection, as no one can reach this goal. restrictions on all sports. Royal families You can always perform better. That is the and Buddhist monks secretly practiced one thing I will always remember throughout Hapkido, passing the art form generation to my life. generation. Finally at the end of WWII, the Self-discipline along with dedication will Korean people could legally practice Martial overcome the most difficult of times. The Arts. Hapkido locks and strikes are a key twelve year journey had many highs and component to my training. lows, but I have persevered to attain the Tae Kwon Do (sometimes spelled proudest accomplishment of my life. Tang ) and Tang Soo Do are very similar Soo Do teaches me how to lead, control my Martial Arts. Both stem from the Hwarang mind and body, show respect, and always fighting styles, and these techniques were give one hundred percent effort. Instructing secretly passed down through many has allowed me to show others how to generations until the surrender of Japan achieve the success I have experienced. in 1945. The explosion of Martial Arts in These skills carry over into my everyday life. the next few years led to many different I am willing to make sacrifices for the long organizations teaching slightly different term goal of personal wellness. I wake up variations of techniques. Before long, there each day with a positive attitude and ready was a movement in Korea pushing to unify all to take on the day. I complete schoolwork of these branches under one organization, with the same diligence I have learned in Korean Kong Soo Do. This was not meant the Martial Arts. As an employee, I work at to be, as too many factions had their own the highest level possible. Tang Soo Do has ideas of what should be included in the art. taught me that it is vital to respect God, Grandmaster Hwang Kee gave Tang Soo Do one’s parents, and one’s country. its name. His style focused on the traditional Martial Arts used fifteen hundred years in the Every day of my life I carry past. Tae Kwon Do became the National myself with honor and dignity. Sport of Korea. I can not truly put into words the impact of Kwan Jang Nim (Grandmaster Taek Ho Tang Soo Do on my life. Nam) has successfully blended all of the Over the years, I have come to respect the into one. He is an 8th rich history of my Martial Art. Tang Soo Do is Degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do & Tae Kwon ingrained in me. Every single day I think of Do and a 7th Degree Black Belt in Hapkido. training. There is nothing better than putting In Korea, he was one of only a few selected all of your energy into one activity. Thanks by his Master to learn secret techniques. to Tang Soo Do, I am a happy and self- These were taken from none other than the motivated individual. Hopefully, I will learn book of King Chin Heung, the 24th King of the intricacies of Tang Soo Do in the coming the Silla Dynasty. I am proud to train under years, such an experience Martial Artist. allowing Need a website? Training, from basics, to forms, me to Newsletter? Logo? become to weapons, has been fun in a warrior, HEATHER every class. There is way too just as the Hwarang ARBUCKLE much to learn and remember centuries ago. web & graphic designer to ever get bored. [email protected] Even if you know every single technique, it www.beneaththeradar.com can always be executed better. I could train 7 NKKS FOOTNOTES July PTF Testing and Summer Picnic by Dana L Our day began hot, even at 10:00 in the morning! But that didn’t hinder us at all, and we all crowded snugly under the pavilion for testing. It was exciting, as always, to watch our fellow students concentrating on their techniques, confident to perform their absolute best and advance in belt rank. But this time, it was a special, exciting treat to be able to observe Sah Bum Nim David Klink in his transition to Master Rank. He maneuvered with such impressive focus and dedication, that it was a great inspiration for each student to work hard to be the best martial artist they can be. With all of the excitement surrounding testing, all of the students and guests had worked up quite an appetite! Fortunately, there was a huge selection of delicious food for us to fill our plates. There was a fantastic grill team, so burgers and hot dogs were flying off the grill in a seemingly endless supply! We sure were hungry! But most importantly, it was wonderful to observe families eating together, and also sitting with other families, mingling, and getting to know new people. After we had eaten, some people took advantage of the beautiful day to just relax, some headed for the pool, and some of us decided to get in gear for GAMES! From the littlest of kids to the biggest of kids, it was great to see everyone get involved. Though we (Team-C) tried our best to win, congratulations goes to the little and littlest kids for “beating” the big kids at every game! We were velcro’d together, strung together, and oranged together, for some Thanks to everyone who cooked, unique and hilarious teamwork. And no one organized, participated, and came out to cared who won or lost because we were too support. Thank you especially to Kwan Jang busy making new friends and having FUN! Nim and the rest of our Masters for making The games ended with a very competitive this eventful day possible for us. Judging water balloon toss. One by one, we were by the conversation, laughter, and smiles all eliminated. It was down to Sah Bum Nim on everyone’s faces, it is clear that good Tresky and son Anthony, as well as Elwood B times were had by all. And I think I speak for and Tony R for the final two teams. It was a everyone in our Tang Soo Do Family when close one, but in the end, Elwood B and Tony I say that our annual summer picnic and R held onto their balloon the longest. Way to testing was a great success! go guys! 8 Volume 2 Issue 4 Fall 2008 A Thought for That (continued) become impatient or lose confidence as Black Belt (Master Level), I had to travel to why and when their Master Instructor will to Harrisburg to test in front of my Master’s give them permission to do as they wish. But, Master. isn’t part of learning Martial Arts those things, As many of my students know, I am still patience and confidence being two of the under constant observation from my Master most critical aspects to learn? Who knows Instructor, listening to the technical critique your skills and Martial Arts growth better than (however hard it is to hear) and often being your Instructor? To cut yourself off for greed, reminded by my Master Instructor, to live a selfishness, or any excuse to prevent you from humbled life. But with all of the obstacles becoming the best you can be would be I’ve overcome, in the end, there is nothing ridiculous. more gratifying than to say, I have only one I can say firsthand that Master, the best Master Instructor there is. I want you to know how without patience and privileged you are to train confidence I would not be with such a GREAT Tang Soo where I am today. Do Family, and with our Kwan Being Grandmaster Taek Ho Nam’s son, I am automatically looked at differently. Jang Nim leading the way. Questions like, “Did this guy actually work hard to get to where he is or did his dad just give him his belt?” But the truth of the matter is, I was held over for years preventing me from being promoted to the next degree just because of my age. Or for my 4th Degree

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